Because the NU offensive line was crap and couldn’t pass block anyone in 2012, so the only chance was to put out a run-heavy scheme with him and Venric.
That really doesn't make much sense.
The O-line is so bad that you need to go with a running QB (basically, a RB playing the QB position), but when you're behind, you stick a passing QB behind said
crap O-line when the opposing D is geared to pass rush?
Plus, the O-line during the 2012 season was better than for 2013 (and 2014) when there was less of a platoon.
Think the bigger reasons why they went to the platoon system is bc (1) McC's "read and react" system requires experience and for both the QB and receivers to be on the same page (think Siemian was better able to handle it than the receivers at the time) and (2) Colter having more game experience.
The whole concept was to play to the team’s strengths whenever possible. The cost/benefit would change in certain game situations.
I’ve been Team Trevor from literally the day he walked on campus, but I understand what the staff was trying to do in 2012.
When it came to being on
Team Trevor - you were pretty lukewarm.
And there were some things Trevor wasn’t good at, which is why the QB platoon worked.
So, why didn't they stick to it more for the 2013 season?
And while Trevor by no means is a runner, he is an underrated scrambling QB, which the staff failed to utilize until towards the end of his NU career.
You can't tell me that the O-line was any worse than the M00N game where Siemian was getting pummeled by UM's pass rush (McC's and likely Fitz's "bright idea" was for Trevor to take snaps even further back which did nothing).
But hey, once they let Trevor loose (allowing him to break out of the pocket), we saw 2 of the most impressive drives an NU QB has made.
Like I've always stated, didn't have a problem with the platoon, but did have an issue with the divide (should have been 70% Siemian and 30% Colter).
Also took issue with when they would make a change at QB.
For example, in that back and forth dOSU loss in 2013, Trevor led the Cats to a go ahead TD in the 4th Q, but the Bucknuts retook the lead with their own TD.
Instead of sticking with the hot hand (Mark was making more of an impact as a pass catcher that game), the staff switched back to Colter and the O failed to score.